258 Tasting Notes
Thanks to SuperStarling! for this tea. Upon looking up this tea, I was ready to write it off. The whole premise and website seemed a bit gimmicky? I’m not sure that is the right word. Not that there is anything wrong with “character” or “themed” teas or things. I rather enjoy that normally. But, I have found, if the product is good enough, cutesy gimmicks aren’t needed.
This, I’m happy to report, proved that theory wrong. This is a wonderfully balanced oolong, hovering between roast and slightly fruity. Nothing too strong or bitter about this. A very pleasant surprise, indeed.
Flavors: Fruity, Roasted
Preparation
This is really good. Such a sweet smell, like lemony spun sugar. The flavor is also sweet but not as much as the smell. Which, in this case, is probably a good thing. The candied lemon flavor does come through though and it is delightful. Being caffeine free, my kids are also digging this.
That smell though… I would love a candle that smells like this.
Flavors: Cream, Lemon, Sugar
Preparation
While I still wish this tea would last a bit longer in terms of how many flavorful steeps you can get, what you DO get is a wonderfully complex flavor. Some days I drink it and taste all of the roasty goodness. Days like today, I get a full palate of juicy, fruity notes. Wonderful tea.
Flavors: Stonefruit
Preparation
I served this tonight at my book club where we were discussing Neverwhere by Neil Gaiman. It was actually one of the few Adagio black teas that I really enjoyed. Sweet, chocolate, malt with a slight fruity undertone. Everyone seemed to enjoy it. While I’m not normally one to go with the crowd, in this instance, I happen to agree.
Flavors: Berry, Chocolate
Preparation
Oh dear this is good. Creamy. Berries. Slight roast notes. I would recommend this tea for someone who is just getting into oolongs without flavoring and who might also enjoy berry flavors. The natural flavor on this is really amazing.
Flavors: Berries, Cream, Roasted, Smooth
Preparation
Drinking the last of this today. I am finding it earthy and with subtle notes of berry. Now, full disclosure, I picked (and ate) a few bowls of wild blackberries on the back of my property line this morning so I’m not sure how much that is influencing my taste buds.
It is very smooth, though I can feel that if I pushed the steeping lengths too much longer it could go tannic on me. A nice tawny, ruby, reddish color through most of the steeps. Nothing too big jumps out. It is strong but unassuming.
Flavors: Berry, Earth
Preparation
It is hard for me to get green tea (especially flavored green tea) to come out right using my gaiwan. But I continue to try. For this tea, I’m glad I did.
This comes out surprisingly smooth with no trace of bitterness. The coconut flavor is present and creamy. I am enjoying this after a perfect spring trail walk. Life is good, friends. Drink it up.
Flavors: Coconut, Creamy